Chapter 646: One Kill to the End

Seeing Lu Qingfu charging, Zhu Yugui quickly exhaled a breath of cold air, intending to freeze him. Zhu Yugui had put considerable force into that breath of cold air. He would rather freeze Lu Qingfu to death than consume whatever was in Lu Qingfu's mouth. It wasn't just a matter of disgust; consuming it would put him under Lu Qingfu's control.

Unfortunately, the cold air missed Lu Qingfu, only freezing one of his subordinates to death. Lu Qingfu vanished. Before Zhu Yugui could even register where he'd gone, Lu Qingfu had already embraced him from behind. How could he move so fast? Lu Qingfu was a sixth-level Pleasure Cultivator; even if he applied all his techniques to himself, he shouldn't be capable of such speed. Someone was controlling him.

Ice shards suddenly shot out from Zhu Yugui's back, aiming to impale Lu Qingfu, but Lu Qingfu dodged again, his speed remaining astounding. At this point, Zhu Yugui understood the situation: not only Lu Qingfu was in the room, but also another person, most likely Li Qi, who was manipulating Lu Qingfu with incredible speed.

Zhu Yugui knew that Li Qi had come to San Tou Cha, and he also knew that Li Qi was a Journey Cultivator. Officially, Li Qi was said to be a fifth-level cultivator, but Zhu Yugui knew that was pure nonsense. He suspected Li Qi had seventh or eighth-level cultivation, possibly even reaching the Cloud realm. Because of this, Zhu Yugui had specifically enlisted Huan Wuchang, the leader of the Illusion Cultivators, to deal with Li Qi. He hadn't expected Li Qi to show up unscathed at Qingyuan Tower. Had Huan Wuchang not acted, or had he simply failed to defeat Li Qi? This person's allegiance was hard to determine, but Zhu Yugui's situation was extremely perilous.

Lu Qingfu kept appearing beside him, and each time Zhu Yugui counterattacked, Lu Qingfu easily evaded. Li Qi's ability to effortlessly shield Lu Qingfu in front of Zhu Yugui clearly showed the disparity in their strengths. Zhu Yugui feared he was no match for Li Qi in a one-on-one fight. He tried to call for help, but there was no response from outside the door. All the guards on this floor were likely incapacitated by Li Qi. The only person he could seemingly rely on was Master Du Zhihuan.

"Old Du, go get them for me..." Zhu Yugui turned his head and saw one of Lu Qingfu's men mouth-feeding Du Zhihuan a mouthful of 'golden fluid and jade liquid'. Du Zhihuan, with a contented smile, silently watched Zhu Yugui's desperate struggle. Old Du was useless too. Zhu Yugui looked around and unleashed his ultimate move: the Cold Cultivation Technique, "Frost Gaze." Throughout the room, as far as the eye could see, from the walls to the ceiling, from the furniture to the decor, every object was covered in a layer of frost. Everyone was covered in frost. Du Zhihuan and Lu Qingfu's subordinates froze to death on the spot, but after searching for a long time, Zhu Yugui couldn't find Lu Qingfu himself.

Lu Qingfu's survival proved that Li Qi, who was controlling him, must also be alive. The fact that Li Qi could still protect Lu Qingfu suggested he might not have even sustained an injury. Employing "Frost Gaze" was extremely draining. Zhu Yugui quickly ran out of energy, and the frost in the room gradually receded. The technique ceased, meaning Li Qi could reappear at any moment. Zhu Yugui also realized his life was in immediate danger.

"Li Qi," Zhu Yugui called out, "Let me tell you, by entering Qingyuan Tower, you've already acquired Qingyuan's mark. If you dare to harm me, you'll suffer a backlash yourself!"

Li Banfeng appeared, walking from the doorway into Zhu Yugui's room. "Tell me," he said, "why would entering this tower leave a mark inside your body?"

"It's a craftsmanship, a technique our master left for Qingyuan Tower." Zhu Yugui was extremely nervous internally. He saw Li Qi's face clearly, but beneath the brim of Li Qi's hat, there was a murderous aura that filled him with profound dread. Zhu Yugui concealed his fear well, maintaining his usual domineering demeanor and tone. "Li Qi," he declared, "you have no idea who our master is. You've provoked someone you cannot afford to provoke. Now, if I just lift a finger..."

Li Banfeng kicked him in the face. Zhu Yugui fell backward, blood gushing from his nose and mouth. Zhu Yugui didn't rush to get up. He lay on the ground and clenched his fist hard. Li Banfeng felt a dull ache in his chest. He truly had some ability.

"Does it hurt?" Zhu Yugui slowly rose, smiling at Li Banfeng. "Right now, it's just a mild ache. Just wait a little longer until the mark in your body is firmly rooted. Then, by clenching my fist, I can take your life."

Li Banfeng smiled and asked, "Do I need to wait any longer to kill you?"

Zhu Yugui understood the current situation. "No," he replied, "you're certainly capable; killing me would be instantaneous. But killing me is pointless. The mark will still be on you. The next time you encounter our master, or another strongman from elsewhere, they won't even have to blink to kill you. Given the situation, why intensify the conflict? You've made a mistake, so you can only accept your misfortune. Don't provoke us in the future, and we'll certainly not make things difficult for you."

Li Qi remained silent. Zhu Yugui watched Li Qi's position, contemplating his next move. If Li Qi left now, Zhu Yugui would consider himself fortunate. If Li Qi, in a fit of rage, decided to kill Zhu Yugui, that would simply be Li Qi's misfortune. If Li Qi wished to negotiate, Zhu Yugui would agree to any terms, provided he could stall for an hour. In that time, the mark would firmly root itself in Li Qi's body, and then, simply by clenching his fist, he could make Li Qi die in agony. Even if he couldn't hold out for a full hour, just half an hour would be enough for the mark to partially root, causing Li Qi immense pain and likely forcing him to retreat.

With this thought, Zhu Yugui began negotiating. "You came to the underground city to do business, didn't you?" he offered. "Tell me how much territory you want. As long as it's not too extensive, I can make the decision directly. I can give you half of the human market's business."

Li Qi shook his head. "Half isn't enough," he said. "I want it all."

"All right, you can have it all. I'll give you the seal now; the human market will be yours from today."

Li Qi still shook his head. "Just the seal isn't enough either."

"You want money, then?" Zhu Yugui pulled out the vault key. "The vault is right next door. It's full of gold and silver coins. Take as much as you want; the entire vault is yours now!"

Li Qi still shook his head. "The vault isn't enough either."

"Then what else do you want?" Zhu Yugui had a main wife and twenty-two concubines in the tower; he was willing to give them all away if Li Qi just asked.

"I have a friend," Li Banfeng said, "and he wants you." With a wave of his hand, Lu Qingfu suddenly appeared and embraced Zhu Yugui. How was Lu Qingfu still so fast? Wasn't he supposed to be under Li Qi's control? Wasn't Li Qi right there? Who exactly was controlling Lu Qingfu? Was there someone else in the room?

Zhu Yugui had no time to resist; he was utterly exhausted. Lu Qingfu embraced Zhu Yugui, kissed him, and fed him the first mouthful of 'golden fluid and jade liquid'. Zhu Yugui struggled briefly, then a smile spread across his face. Time was precious. Zhu Yugui would obey Lu Qingfu's commands for a very short duration.

Lu Qingfu spoke. "Tell me," he demanded, "how do I remove the mark?"

Zhu Yugui replied, "I don't know." He wasn't lying; after consuming the first mouthful of 'golden fluid and jade liquid', he was incapable of lying.

Lu Qingfu asked again, "Who is your master?"

"I don't know his name."

"What does he look like?"

"I've never seen him."

"What cultivation path does he follow, and what is his level of cultivation?"

"I don't know."

As the head of the human market, Zhu Yugui was a figure of some standing under his master, yet he knew surprisingly little about him.

"Where is your master?"

"He's at San Tou Cha, but hasn't reached the underground city yet."

"Doesn't he usually reside in San Tou Cha?"

"No, he travels all over Puluo Province. His return this time is primarily because he needs money."

"What does he use the money for?"

"I... I don't know..."

Zhu Yugui's thoughts began to slow; the effects of the first mouthful of 'golden fluid and jade liquid' were fading. Lu Qingfu quickly assigned Zhu Yugui a crucial task. "Agui," he said, "the rent needs to be changed."

Zhu Yugui nodded. "I also thought I wasn't charging enough," he said. "I've already raised the prices."

Lu Qingfu slapped Zhu Yugui. "I wasn't saying you collected too little," he corrected. "I'm changing the rules for you. First, listen to how they're being changed, then I'll give you something nice to eat."

Zhu Yugui agreed with a smile. "Alright."

Lu Qingfu assigned Zhu Yugui the task of adjusting the rent, then fed him another mouthful of 'golden fluid and jade liquid'. For the next month, Zhu Yugui would strictly adhere to this task, such was the effect of the second dose.

With the task complete, Li Banfeng waved his hand, and a dark shadow emerged from Lu Qingfu's body. Li Banfeng remarked, "You know, that new technique you learned is quite effective." The shadow remained silent.

"Are you disgusted?" Li Banfeng asked Banfeng Yi.

Banfeng Yi made a spitting gesture. "Why aren't *you* the one doing this?" he retorted.

Li Banfeng shook his head. "I genuinely can't stand the smell," he said.

"If you can't stand it, then leave!"

"Don't rush," Li Banfeng replied. "Some things still need to be cleaned up." He then summoned a group of shadows.

Banfeng Yi was highly displeased. "Every shadow you summon adds another mark!" he complained. "I already have marks on me!" This tower was truly peculiar; anyone who entered it acquired a mark. "It's fine. Let's clean this place up first, then we'll handle the marks together."

Li Banfeng waved his hand, issuing a command to the shadows: "Berserker Technique: Rivers of Blood." Dozens of dark figures flew out from Li Banfeng's side.

"Talk about making it sound like a technique," Banfeng Yi grumbled. "Aren't you just making us brothers do the dirty work?" He first killed Lu Qingfu, then followed Li Banfeng to the vault.

Fifteen minutes later, Zhu Yugui was the only living person left in Qingyuan Tower. He personally wrote dozens of notices. After dressing neatly, he took the notices, retrieved a copper gong from the storeroom, and headed downstairs. At the street corner, he posted the notices, beating the copper gong as he shouted, "This month's rent is completely waived, and future rent will be halved! I, Zhu Yugui, was wrong to raise prices before; I apologize to all of you and offer my sincerest regrets!" Zhu Yugui repeated these words more than twenty times. The onlookers were stunned.

"Who is that?"

"Don't you recognize him? That's Lord Gui, the boss of the human market!"

"What's wrong with him?"

"Who knows what happened to him? The day before yesterday, he announced a rent increase. Today, he's saying it's halved, and even free for this month. He's said it all, so I have no idea what he actually means."

"Let's read the notice again later; it seems to be clearly written there."

"Did I mishear? Did Zhu Yugui actually admit he was wrong?"

"That scoundrel Zhu Yugui? If he admitted to eating dirt one day, I'd believe it. But if he admits he's wrong? I truly wouldn't believe it."

"Don't say you don't believe it. Just smell him; it's as if he really did eat dirt."

Carrying the copper gong and notices, Zhu Yugui moved to another intersection. Tan Jinxiao watched from the sidelines, muttering, "This Li Qi isn't afraid of offending anyone. He's going to fight the master to the very end." Xiao Yeci stood nearby, a hint of pride in her eyes. "I don't know who the master here is," she said, "but our benefactor won't be afraid of him!"

"This is hard to say!" Tan Jinxiao shook his head slightly. "This master has countless tricks, both overt and covert, ethical and unethical."

Juanzi chimed in, "Our Seventh Master isn't afraid, he never is!"

Liang Wu asked, "Where did Seventh Master go?"

Liang Cai suggested, "Didn't we agree to meet here? Let's wait a little longer."

Tan Jinxiao frowned. "I told him not to go to Qingyuan," he said, "but he wouldn't listen. Now he's surely got a mark on him."

Inside the Portable Dwelling, Li Banfeng and a group of shadows stood ramrod straight. Their heads were tilted back, hands clenched into fists, their entire bodies tensing, and they trembled intermittently. Hong Ying was very nervous. She asked Gramophone, "Xiao Wan, is giving birth like this too?"

Gramophone slapped Hong Ying. "Why are you asking me?" she retorted. "I've never given birth!"

After a full twenty minutes, Li Banfeng strained and vomited out a copper coin. The shadows, one by one, strained and also expelled copper coins. Since learning the "Sleep Soundly" technique, this was the most challenging item Li Banfeng had ever encountered.

The Glove picked up a copper coin from the ground. Its texture indicated it was cast from brass, and its shape was round on the outside with a square hole in the middle. It was just an ordinary copper coin; The Glove couldn't possibly be mistaken. "But why would this copper coin become a mark?" The Glove mused with a sigh. "I remember Laughing Thousand Hands used to leave marks on people too, though I can't recall what his looked like."

A copper coin. The appearance of the mark reminded Li Banfeng of someone: Mr. Kong Fang. Zhu Yugui had mentioned their master was short on money, and Mr. Kong Fang was also perpetually in need of funds.

Li Banfeng retracted all the shadows, leaving only one beneath his feet. His Lady collected the copper coins from the floor, sealed them with steam, and set them aside for future study.

"My dear wife, what exactly is a mark?"

"My dear husband, it's quite difficult to explain..." Gramophone pondered for a long time. Unable to provide a precise definition of a mark, she could only explain by giving examples to Li Banfeng: "For example, a Script Cultivator's mark is typically a character. This character contains the spiritual essence imbued by the cultivator, allowing them to sense its location. Such marks can help Script Cultivators find people or objects, though not many Script Cultivators are proficient in using them. A Gaze Cultivator's mark is a hook; once attached, the Gaze Cultivator can monitor the target's actions. Marks are fundamental to the Gaze Cultivation path. A Curse Cultivator's mark is a root of misfortune, and their marks have an even greater utility; the casting of curses relies almost entirely on them. The Funeral Cultivator's 'Funeral Gate Array' also uses marks. My husband encountered that array; it's extremely difficult to break. These types of marks are simply too complex; your humble servant can't clearly explain their mechanisms."

Li Banfeng pondered for a long time before asking, "Don't House Cultivators have marks?"

His Lady replied, "Of course they do. The bloodstains left near a dwelling are marks."

"Aren't House Cultivators' marks meant for others?"

His Lady chuckled. "When a House Cultivator reaches a certain level, they can't be bothered to even glance at outsiders. Their own blood is naturally for their own dwelling; how could they possibly spare it for strangers?"

The concept of marks was indeed too complex. Li Banfeng then looked at Hong Ying. "Do Journey Cultivators have marks?" he asked. After asking, Li Banfeng didn't expect an answer. As a rough and unrefined woman, Hong Ying was unlikely to know the concept of marks. However, Li Banfeng had indeed underestimated Hong Ying this time.

"Journey Cultivators do have marks," she replied. "My old man's way of repairing train stations uses marks. Want to learn? I can teach you!"

"I'd like to..." Li Banfeng hesitated for a moment. "Actually, I'd like to borrow it for a while."

Hong Ying sneered. "It's been so long, and you still can't admit you're a Journey Cultivator. Is it fun, you and Xiao Wan playing these games every day?"

Gramophone chuckled. "What do you mean, not fun? My husband and I enjoy this."

Hong Ying put down her powder puff, turned, and looked at Li Banfeng. "If you call me 'Good Wife'," she offered, "I'll teach you the methods of marks."

Li Banfeng shook his head. "No way," he declared, "I only have one wife!"

Hong Ying snorted. "Then there's nothing more to discuss," she said. "Go learn about marks from your own wife!"

Li Banfeng didn't hesitate. "If you won't teach me, then fine," he said. "It's not like I absolutely *have* to learn this."

Li Banfeng stalked off in a huff. Gramophone muttered a couple of complaints about Hong Ying, then felt a surge of secret pride.

Leaving the Portable Dwelling, Li Banfeng found the others. "Did you get marked too?" Tan Jinxiao asked. "You shouldn't have gone to Qingyuan; you handled this too hastily."

"Hasty or not, it's done," Li Banfeng replied. "It's too late to discuss it now. Are your men all here?"

"Yes. Is there something you need them for?"

"I've emptied Zhu Yugui's vault. Arrange for your men to distribute the money. Since I promised free rent this month, that must be honored. As for future rent collection, we'll decide that later."

Tan Jinxiao nodded repeatedly. "Alright, Seventh Master, I'm impressed," he said. "What's your next move?"

"I'll wait right here for their master to arrive. I'll discuss with him and have him cede the underground city."

"It won't be that simple."

"Nothing in this world is simple," Li Banfeng replied. "Let's just do it first and see. Having lost so much rental income, their master definitely won't be able to sit still. I estimate he'll show up in a day or two."

Tan Jinxiao sighed. "I only wanted to bring you to the underground city for a look," he lamented. "I never expected you to go all the way and kill everyone!"

Li Banfeng smiled. "What's wrong, buddy? Getting cold feet?"

Tan Jinxiao shook his head. "Not scared, Seventh Master," he affirmed. "If I lose my life this time, please engrave a sentence on my tombstone: 'Tan Jinxiao, this man, never flinched in his life.' That way, when our General sees it later, he'll recognize at a glance that it's my grave!"

The General? Li Banfeng had found it strange the last time Tan Jinxiao spoke of fighting. "Who is your General?"

"Which General are you referring to?" Tan Jinxiao asked, looking bewildered. It was unclear if he was genuinely confused or merely feigning ignorance.

The makeshift phone rang. Li Banfeng answered it; it was Luo Zhengnan. "Seventh Master," Luo Zhengnan said, "Liao Zihui came looking for you. He says something happened at the Dark Star Bureau."

"What happened?"

"He said someone named Chen Changrui was reported for indiscriminately distributing harmonizers. These harmonizers are elixirs from other provinces, and regulations on them are extremely strict—you must be aware of this. Now, the authorities are investigating Chen Changrui, and it's likely they'll remove him from office. The Dark Star Bureau might not even survive."

Li Banfeng hung up the phone, his brows furrowed. Chen Changrui's distribution of harmonizers to his subordinates was an act Li Banfeng had tacitly approved. Who reported Chen Changrui for this? He had to intervene. Old Chen couldn't suffer this injustice, and the Dark Star Bureau certainly couldn't be shut down.

Li Banfeng told Tan Jinxiao, "You keep an eye on things here for two days. I have an urgent matter and need to travel to another province."

Tan Jinxiao was surprised. After a moment's thought, he nodded. "Seventh Master," he said, "please go and return quickly."

Li Banfeng quickly relayed his instructions, then boarded a small freight train, preparing to leave the underground city. The carriage was filled with cardboard boxes of various sizes. Li Banfeng sat on one, contemplating his next move. As they approached the cave entrance, the flickering daylight from outside reminded him of something. He remembered the flashing lights in the dance hall.

"Mr. Wang, one more drink!"

Li Banfeng frowned and sat up from a stack of boxes. Who reported Chen Changrui? Who exactly was Mr. Wang? In an underground karaoke bar in another province, when Li Banfeng heard that phrase, he had glanced at Deputy Director Wang. Deputy Director Wang had claimed it wasn't him. If he said it wasn't him, did that truly mean it wasn't him? If I leave now, will their master immediately reveal himself?

Li Banfeng jumped off the train and pulled out his makeshift phone. "Old Luo," he said, "tell Chief Envoy Liao that I'm currently in negotiations with people from the Inner Province and can't disengage at the moment. Ask him to relay two things to Gao Yina. First, tell her to prepare defenses, as war could break out in the Inner Province at any time. Second, tell her to protect the Dark Star Bureau, ensuring both its personnel and its structure remain stable."

Luo Zhengnan paused for a moment, concerned he might not convey the message precisely. "Seventh Master," he asked, "'stability'—what exactly does that mean?"

"Let Liao Zihui figure it out himself," Li Banfeng replied. "He understands, and Gao Yina understands too. They both know the consequences of making a mistake."

Li Banfeng hung up the phone, returned to the human market, and found Tan Jinxiao. Tan Jinxiao was startled. "Seventh Master," he exclaimed, "is the matter in the other province already handled?"

"More or less."

"You handled that incredibly fast!" Tan Jinxiao exclaimed, slapping his thigh. "I thought you'd be gone for at least three to five days! I was so worried!"

"No need to move around for the next couple of days," Li Banfeng said. "I'll wait here for their master to show up, and see if any old friends come looking for me."

"What if the master doesn't come?" Tan Jinxiao asked.

Li Banfeng didn't answer. Instead, he countered, "Why are you acting as my guide?"

Tan Jinxiao smiled. "Xiao Songzi said that Seventh Master is a stand-up guy, so I figured I'd come see for myself, given the opportunity."

"From the day you agreed to be my guide, did you intend to risk your life?"

Tan Jinxiao shook his head. "Initially, I didn't plan to risk my life," he said. "My life might be cheap, but it's still a life. I needed to see if risking it for you was worth it!"

"So, do you think it's worth it now?"

Tan Jinxiao was silent for a moment. "Whatever you say, we'll do," he finally replied. "As I said before, I've never flinched in my life."

"Let's stay in the human market for a few more days," Li Banfeng said. "If their master comes, we'll deal with him here. If he doesn't, we'll move on to the Earth Market. And if he still doesn't show up, we'll go to the Sea Market."

Liang Wu looked at Li Banfeng. "Seventh Master," he asked, "should we return to our previous dwelling? Although that night was chilling, the memories are vivid."

Xiao Yeci felt something was amiss. "What happened that night?" she asked. "Why was I the only one left when I woke up? Where did you all go afterward?"

Juanzi approached Li Banfeng, lowering her voice. "Seventh Master," she whispered, "we wish to enter the cultivation path."

Li Banfeng nodded. "Alright," he said, "I'll guide you into the path tonight."

Tan Jinxiao's expression was somewhat excited; he was prepared for a fight to the death. And Huan Wuchang... perhaps that person could help.

Li Banfeng shot Tan Jinxiao a look. "What are you thinking about?" he said. "Hurry up and find us a place to eat and stay. My stomach's still empty."

That night, a figure rushed into the second room. Zhao Xiaowan opened her eyes, quietly listening to the commotion inside.

"Brother, your 'Shadow Following' technique is truly effective," a voice said, "but he's a Cloud Journey Cultivator. The moment I prepare a technique, he senses my malicious intent and gives me no chance to strike. In fact, he's tightened his defenses against me these past few days."

"My dear brother," another voice replied, "I've told you countless times that this matter cannot be rushed, but you never listen."

"Brother, are there any other techniques that can evade the 'seeking good fortune and avoiding disaster' ability? Please teach me two more moves."

"How can 'seeking good fortune and avoiding disaster' be so easily evaded? That's a Journey Cultivator's lifeblood! Let's plan this out more carefully. If you keep pushing like this, I'll eventually get dragged down with you."

"Brother, please teach me some other methods. I'm about to turn against him; the arrow is already on the string, and it must be fired!"

Gramophone's nose twitched, and her lips trembled; she almost couldn't suppress a laugh. She faintly heard a voice from the Portable Dwelling: "It might seem like there are many A Qis, but there's only one. Don't worry."

The argument continued in the second room. The shadow sounded annoyed. "Brother, let's be clear," he said. "We discussed this together. If you're trying to back out now, then you're in the wrong!"

Zhao Xiaowan was startled. Whose accent was that? Why did that voice sound so familiar?